TELECOMMUNICATIONS

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Ameritech Corp. early next year plans to launch a computerized health-care network in the Cleveland area similar to but larger than one it operates in the Milwaukee area.

The Chicago-based Baby Bell also hopes to lay groundwork next year for a health network in the Chicago area, said Jack Reich, president of Ameritech's custom business services. The networks enable doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and insurance companies to share information electronically even if they have dissimilar computer systems.

In Wisconsin about 1,000 users subscribe to Ameritech's network, and the company hopes that in northern Ohio about 15,000 will sign up.

Initially, the Milwaukee network has been focusing on exchanging billing information and patient medical records. Eventually, such networks are intended to enable doctors to collaborate on patient care through video conferencing, Reich said.